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Have you ever been "shocked" when you touched a doorknob, a car-door handle, or a water fountain? Ouch! Well, then you already know something about the effects of static electricity.
A Shocking Atom What you might not know is how static electricity happens. It all starts with a tiny thing called an atom. Everything in the world is made up of atoms - from your pencil to your nose. An atom is so small you can't see it with your eyes - you'd need a special microscope. Think of atoms as building blocks for all the stuff in the world.
Each tiny atom is made up of even tinier things:
protons, which have a positive charge electrons, which have a negative charge neutrons, which have no charge Most of the time, atoms have the same number of protons and electrons and the atom charge is neutral (not positive or negative). Static electricity is created when positive and negative charges aren't balanced. Protons and neutrons don't move around much, but electrons love to jump all over the place!
When an object (or person) has extra electrons, it has a negative charge. Things with opposite charges are always attracted to each other, so positive charges seek negative ones and negative ones seek positives. If you scuff your feet on your living room rug, you pick up extra electrons and have a negative charge. Electrons move more easily through certain materials like metal, which scientists call conductors. When you touch a doorknob (or something else made of metal), which has a positive charge with few electrons, the extra electrons want to jump from you to the knob.
That tiny shock you feel is a result of the quick movement of these electrons. You can think of a shock as a river of millions of electrons flying through the air. Static electricity happens more often during the colder seasons because the air is usually drier, and it's easier to build up electrons on the skin's surface.
So, the next time you get a little shock from touching a doorknob, you'll know that it's just electrons jumping around.
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What is the importance of an electrical switch?
It allow you to disconnect power to an electrical device with the flip of a switch.
Which IS a common sense safety procedure that can help prevent electrical accidents?
The main safety rule is to switch off at the mains before working on electrical equipment and wiring.
What is an immediate symptom of electrical shock?
Difficulty breathing
The severity of an electrical shock is dependant upon what three things?
The severity of an electrical shock is dependent upon three things. Location or the proximity to the source. The second is amperage, the duration of the exposure and the pathway in the body. The third is the distance of the source.
Why sparking in electrical switches?
If you get sparking in an electrical switch there is a loose connection or short in the circuit. The switch should be repaired or replaced.
Why dont you feel a shock when you turn off a switch?
You can't feel a shock because there is a insulator which insulates the flow of electricity. That's why you can't feel a shock when you turn off a switch.
How is electrical shock hazard defined?
The phrase "electrical shock hazard" means that there is a risk of electrical shock.
What energy is when you turn off a light switch?
electrical energy
The functions of switch?
A switch turns on or off electrical power flowing through a cable or circuit.
How do you get in the gate for diamond mine in poptropica?
turn off the shock switch at the bottom of the mountain
What a switch does?
What a Switch DoesA switch starts or stops current from passing through in order to turn electrical objects on and off.
What would a GFCI protect you from?
Death possibly. If your body completes the electrical circuit, the ground fault interrupter will switch the power off and save you from electrocution. Required where electricity is being used around sinks (kitchens, bathrooms) and outdoors.
What are the advantages and disadvantages and applications of a sound activated switch?
it can be used to switch on/off any electrical appliances
Why do the electrical gadgets stop working when switch is turned off?
A switch breaks the flow of electrons (current).
What happens to an electric current at a light switch?
When an electrical switch is in the off position, the circuit is interrupted. When the switch is on, the circuit is open and complete.
When a switch in an electrical circuit is turned off what will happen?
Closing a switch in an electrical circuit will complete the circuit. The supply voltage will then be applied to that circuit, and current will flow through that circuit.
Which equipment can help to reduce electrical bill?
A switch, turn it all off.
